SDSU courting the Big 12 for membership

Any return interest from the Big 12 would depend on whether that league wants to expand from 10 members or whether current member Missouri decides to leave. Missouri recently said it would explore other conference options, which might include the SEC.

“I think they are comfortable from what I hear at 10 with less mouths to feed right now (in revenue-sharing),” Sterk said.

Sterk said he has been in communication with the Mountain West and thinks that league has “a chance to grow and develop.” But big money is at stake, which is why Utah, BYU and TCU left for greener pastures. In the Mountain West, members get about $1.4 million in TV money per year. In the Big 12, it’s around $14 million. And if Boise and Air Force leave, the Mountain West might have to consider inviting Utah State and San Jose State as part of an effort to survive.

It might not matter, but Neinas had a previous relationship with SDSU. In 2005-06, SDSU paid him more than $65,000 to help conduct executive searches that ended with the hiring of football coach Chuck Long and previous Athletic Director Jeff Schemmel.